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April 13, 2005 Governor Riley Announces Austrian Industry to Build Plant OXFORD - Governor Bob Riley announced today that he and local officials signed a working agreement with an Austrian-based company to build a new wood products manufacturing facility in the state that will employ 700 workers.
Kronospan Gmbh will build its first facility in the United States in Oxford. The project represents a capital investment exceeding $500 million and the company will hire 700 employees when it reaches full capacity.
Today’s signing is the result of months of planning and negotiation by Governor Riley, various state agencies, Kronospan’s leadership, local elected officials and the Economic Development Council of Calhoun County. The process began in earnest when Governor Riley led a recruitment mission to Europe in July 2004 and began personally negotiating with Kronospan officials.
"This is a major win for Alabama and another new chapter in our state’s economic success story," said Governor Riley. "This decision by Kronospan will have a tremendously positive impact on the area and create hundreds of good-paying jobs for our workers." "We’re proud that the world’s leading manufacturer of wood laminated flooring products is going to be one of Alabama’s corporate citizens and we look forward to a long and prosperous relationship with this company for many years to come."
Governor Riley also praised Senator Del Marsh and other local officials for their aggressive pursuit of Kronospan. "Local leaders in Oxford and Calhoun County have worked tirelessly to win this project, including making personal visits to Kronospan operations in Europe," the Governor said.
Senator Marsh, who was unable to attend the announcement in Oxford, said in a written statement: "This announcement is a reflection of our community’s commitment to work together to bring economic growth and new jobs to our citizens. Governor Riley has worked hard to promote Alabama’s economic growth and I commend him and others for making this announcement a reality."
Oxford Mayor Leon Smith expressed his delight that Kronospan has made Oxford their choice for this investment. "We are excited that a company of this caliber is investing in Oxford. This represents the largest investment in our area in years. This will mean a great deal for our citizens."
Economic Development Council Chairman, Fred Denney, echoed Governor Riley’s, Senator Marsh’s and Mayor Smith’s comments.
"This has been a team effort from the beginning," Denney said. "The Mayor and Council in Oxford, the County Commission, my fellow EDC members, state agencies, our legislative delegation, Governor Riley and his staff and, of course, our friends at Kronospan have all been working intensively to make this happen. Today we take a huge step toward having this excellent international company located here."
Kronospan is Europe’s largest manufacturer of wood based panel products including the manufacturing of laminate flooring. The Company is renowned for its’ technical ability, innovation, design and operations technology. The Company’s extensive portfolio includes a very wide selection of products and services of which laminate flooring of superior quality for both domestic and commercial use is part. | |
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